Using ArcGIS Desktop

A layer in a map document can be saved as a layer file (its named with an extension of
.lyr) that can be added to other map documents. A layer file is essentially a map document
layer that has been saved to disk. As with a layer on a map, a layer file stores the name and
location of the underlying dataset along with the symbol settings for drawing the layer and
the definitions of any selected sets (it doesnt store the GIS data). Unlike adding a dataset
to a map, when you add a layer file to another map document it appears the same as on the
original map document from which it was createdthe features are drawn using the same
symbols, and any selected sets are implemented. (You can, of course, modify the layer once
its added to the new map document.)

You can also export any layer in a map document to create a new dataset. Youd most likely
do this if youve created a selected set of features and want to save only those features
to a new datasetperhaps to send to another ArcGIS user, or to use in analysis. Unlike
a layer file, the new dataset contains the GIS data, but no symbol settings or selected set
definitions.

Layers have an associated attribute table that contains descriptive information (obtained
from the underlying dataset) about the features in the layerfor example, the name of each
park, its size, and which agency maintains it.

Each layer has an associated attribute table that displays descriptive information
about each feature in the layer.

Symbols

To display geographic data and to better communicate the information on the map, graphic
symbols are usedlines, colors, patterns, and so on. Symbols are a set of properties that
get applied to a particular feature or geographic object.

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1 Introduction

You render the features in a layer by assigning symbols, such as blue lines for rivers and a
green color fill for parks. You can also symbolize features based on descriptive information
in the layer attribute table. For example, you could symbolize parcels by assigning a color
to each landuse code: all residential parcels yellow, all commercial parcels red, all vacant
parcels gray.

Landuse can be mapped by assigning a different color symbol to each landuse

categoryparcels are drawn using the color for their assigned landuse value.

When you add data to create a layer, or when you draw a graphic object, a default symbol
is used. You can modify the properties of the default symbol or apply another predefined
symbol from a palette (and then modify it if necessary).
ArcMap includes a
number of styles. You
can access theseand
the symbols they
containwhen youre
making a map or when
youre creating your
own symbols.

You choose symbols from the Symbol Selector

dialog box. You can use a symbol as is, or
modify it. You can add symbols to the palette by
opening additional styles.

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